Description
Cheesy Lasagna Roll Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, featuring tender lasagna noodles rolled with a savory meat and cheese filling, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American main course, this recipe combines rich ground beef, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella for an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to keep them from sticking together while preparing the filling.
- Prepare meat sauce: In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in 1 cup marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer this mixture for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Mix cheese filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble roll ups: Spread a thin layer of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Spoon a small amount of the meat sauce on top of the cheese layer. Carefully roll each noodle tightly and place seam side down into the prepared baking dish.
- Add sauce and cheese topping: Pour the remaining 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce evenly over the rolled noodles. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top to create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna roll ups rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make them easier to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef to vary the flavor or reduce fat content.
- Adding chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture boosts nutrition and adds an appealing green color.
- These roll ups can be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked just before serving for convenience.
